







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Let's calculate, I pay 135 per week for one person... | |
| I'm so sorry, but we need to cancel our meeting today. | |
| Erm, by the way, since we are on the subject... | |
| I hate taking long flights! | |
| Do you want me to make you a cup of tea or coffee? | |
| Nope, I don't cook fancy things, only regular dishes. | |
| How much do you pay for your room? | |
| Watch out for the 3rd step, it's not very stable. | |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | |
| Yeah, I think it's a bit early to knock on someone's door! | |
| Hi there, it's not Dick, it's Nick... Starts with N. | |
| That's a perfect time to see a house... | |
| Maybe I know your friend. | |
| Hello dear, how is it going, do you need any help? | |
| I feel a bit tired and very hungry. | |
| Oh, sorry, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to order what I want! | |
| Why don't we pay 100 more each, and get a house in Mayfair? | |
| It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
| Thanks Rocco, that's all for now. | |
| I like some Jamiroquai songs, but not all of them. | |